Star Anise

A beautiful, flower-like dried spice, star anise is integral in five-spice powder. Because it is native to South China, it has lent itself to many Indochinese dishes including Vietnamese pho (a rice noodle soup). Star anise gives a warm, heady, almost sticky fragrance and should be used sparingly. Many cooks prefer to pluck one of the eight petals, saying that it is sufficient for whatever dish they are preparing.